China U23 vs Thailand U23 Asian Games Preview
A place in the last four is up for grabs as China and Thailand square off in the quarter-final of the football event at the 2026 Asian Games.
Both teams are enjoying a solid campaign and appear evenly matched heading into this clash.
Key Stats
- China U23 have drawn their last two matches.
- China U23 are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Both teams have drawn their last three meetings.
- Thailand U23 were unbeaten in their three group stage matches.
China with the Edge
China have two wins while Thailand have been victorious just once in the last six matches between the two teams. The last three fixtures have ended in draws, with both sides battling to a 2-2 scoreline in a friendly back in March.
Solid Campaign for China
China come into this clash off the back of a 0-0 draw with United Arab Emirates in their final group stage fixture. They looked to play on the break and created a few chances but lacked the cutting edge in attack.
That was the second straight 0-0 draw for China, who were also held by Iran in their second group fixture. Having claimed a 2-1 victory over North Korea in their opening fixture, they remain unbeaten in the competition and qualified as Group B winners.
Beyond the Asian Games, China's overall form has been quite solid lately. Antonio Puche's team are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions.
Thailand Looking Confident
Thailand are coming off a 3-0 defeat to Japan in their final group stage fixture. They were no match for the superior quality of the Samurai Blue and failed to muster a single attempt on target throughout the contest.
Manager Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul will consider that result a minor blip as Thailand had begun their campaign with two straight wins. They finished second in Group A, with a 5-1 victory over Hong Kong among their results.
The task for Thailand on Saturday is to channel the performance in the win over Hong Kong. Their overall form has also been solid enough, having gone unbeaten in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
China (4-2-3-1): Li Hao; He Yiran, Liu Haofan, Chenjie Zhu, Weijie Mao; Wu Xi, Bin Xu; Kwai Jiwen, Wang Yudong, Alex Yang; Zhang Yuning.
China finished their group stage campaign with no injuries or suspensions. Liu Haofan should continue at the back while Zhang Yuning is set to lead the line once again, with Alex Yang and Wang Yudong providing support.
Thailand (5-3-2): Phorawat Phosaman; Auttapon Sangtong, Pichitchai Sienkrathok, Chanapach Buaphan, Chanon Tamma, Phon-Ek Jensen; Sittha Boonlha, Worawut Noisri, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak; Jehhanafee Mamah, Paripan Wongsa.
Having made wholesale changes to the team in the final group game, Thailand should restore the regulars for this one. Goalkeeper Phorowat Phosaman should return between the sticks while Chanon Tamma is expected to feature at the back, with Jehhanafee Mamah set to lead the line.